Best Latex Mattresses of 2023

Unless you’re allergic, latex beds are a fantastic mattress option. They are conforming and pressure-alleviating, make little noise when bearing weight, and isolate motion well. Latex mattresses have a wide range of firmnesses depending on the type of latex used (synthetic, blended, or natural), the manufacturing process (Dunlop and Talalay), and the spacing of air passages through the comfort layers.

Latex mattresses keep a clean sleep environment by warding off allergens and killing bed bacteria, making this mattress great for anyone with allergies or other illnesses.

In this article, we’ll learn about the six best latex beds and how to identify a good latex mattress on your own. Afterward, we’ll discuss the difference between natural, blended, and synthetic latex and the two manufacturing processes: Dunlop and Talalay. We’ll learn about ILD and density and what you should consider to find your best mattress.

10 Best Latex Mattresses

We had the pleasure of testing out the Amerisleep Organica, and from the moment we unpacked the mattress, we could tell this was going to be a high-quality product. Our team found the Organica is unlike any other Amerisleep mattress. It’s a natural latex mattress with organic wool cushioning and a cotton cover. Numerous pocketed coils support the mattress’s comfort layers, making the bed buoyant.

While we acknowledge that the mattress may not be for everyone, we wholeheartedly recommend the Organica after our experiments. Per our expertise, it’s well-suited for anyone in the market for an all-natural latex mattress that provides exceptional support and comfort. And in terms of customer service, we have nothing but positive things to say.

Our team members who interacted with customer service found them to be helpful and responsive. We also appreciate that like all Amerisleep mattresses, the Amerisleep Organica is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Our team has found that the Organica provides a gentle yet substantial cradling sensation, offering pressure relief and support for the body. The buoyant feel of the mattress comes from the numerous pocketed coils that support the comfort layers, creating a surface that feels plush yet responsive.

The Organica is unlike any other Amerisleep mattress, being their only mattress available with latex, wool, and other all-natural materials. Still, Amerisleep’s most comparable bed to the Organica is the AS3 and AS3 Hybrid, both of which have a medium feel. This balanced feel is especially beneficial for side and combination sleepers, who require a surface that adapts to their changing positions throughout the night.

Inside the Mattress

Based on our observations, the GOTS-certified organic cotton cover feels plush to the touch and maintains a comfortably cool temperature. Underneath the cotton is an inch of OEKO-TEX® certified Joma wool, which we have found cushions a sleeper’s body for pressure relief and wicks away body heat.

Our investigation demonstrated that the 3 inches of Talalay latex provides exceptional support and comfort, with three certifications verifying its material quality. Like the wool, the Talalay latex also has an OEKO-TEX® certification. The Rainforest Alliance gives the latex its seal of approval for sustainable farming and the eco-INSTITUT examines the material’s VOC emissions levels.

The pocketed coil layer is 8 inches tall, with coils arranged along the mattress’s side to create a firmer feel for edge support. The coils rest on a sturdy foundation.

Nolah has a line-up of high-quality memory foam mattresses for sleepers to consider, but they’ve also got a versatile latex bed, the Nolah Natural 11. The bed pairs natural materials with pocketed coils arranged to provide targeted support and pressure relief.

The Nolah Natural 11 comes with a 120-night sleep trial, although shoppers can remove this trial period before checking out for a deeper discount. We recommend this option only to shoppers who are 100 percent sure this latex mattress is the one for them, however. Otherwise, they will have no recourse if they find it doesn’t suit their tastes. A lifetime warranty also attests to the Natural 11’s quality.

Customers have also had wonderful things to say about the Nolah Natural mattress, with the bed possessing 4.7 out of 5 stars on the company website. Overall, the medium feel of the mattress suits a wide range of sleepers, which is why its one of our top recommendations for people looking for a mattress for couples. The surface feels conforming yet buoyant, ready to cradle the body in most positions.

The Nolah Natural 11 has six distinct parts, including the mattress cover.

The first layer underneath the cover is GOTS-certified organic wool to provide a fiberglass-free fire barrier. The wool padding also wicks away body heat and sweat, promoting a more comfortable surface.

Next is a 2-inch layer of Talalay latex foam, followed by a second layer of thinner Talalay latex for added transition. These layers establish the compression needed for soothing pressure relief. Nolah’s Talalay latex also has holes punctured in it for added breathability.

The core is HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ support coils are arranged to create three specific support zones. The coils are wrapped in breathable organic cotton to isolate motion.

A cover of GOTS-certified organic cotton envelopes the mattress’s layers. The breathable weave of this fabric helps the cover fabric stay cool, while the sustainable production places less stress on the ecosystem than non-organic cotton. The cotton fabric surrounding the base of the mattress is hardy, with handles along the side for easier portability.

The Natural 11 has also been certified by Cradle to Cradle, Rainforest Alliance, eco-INSTITUT, and passed the Standard 1o0 test from OEKO-TEX.

SEE ALSO: Nolah Mattress Review

The Spindle mattress is an organic and eco-friendly bed complete with natural fire retardants. The bed has a medium-firm feel when you first receive it, although you can adjust the mattress’s firmness by unzipping bed’s covers and rearranging its three separate layers. As such a customizable mattress, it’s the only bed Spindle currently offers.

Spindle mattress owners describe the bed as being one of the most comfortable mattresses they’ve ever slept on and is a giant upgrade from synthetic latex mattresses. The bed is cushiony and pressure-relieving but also keeps sleepers lifted, preventing pain and difficulty getting comfortable.

The knit GOTS certified cotton cover is made without pesticides and isn’t dyed or bleached. Under the cover, an Eco-wool, OEKO-TEX® certified batting wicks away moisture, keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer.

Three layers of 100% natural Dunlop latex with OEKO-TEX® and Rainforest Alliance certifications make up the mattress’s supportive core. The layers are each three inches thick— two layers have a medium feel while the third layer is firm. The supportive layers reduce noise and motion, offering pressure relief and contouring.

The Spindle mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 365-night sleep trial.

The Saatva Zenhaven mattress is a luxury mattress designed to offer exceptional comfort, support, and durability. Made up of GOLS-certified organic natural latex foam and constructed as a double-sided mattress, one soft and the other firm, you can flip it over to use either side. We used this to adjust the mattress to our preferences, providing a more customizable sleeping experience.

The brand also offers a Saatva latex hybrid mattress with GOLS-certified organic latex. However, the Saatva Zenhaven attracted our attention for its all-latex two-in-one mattress design, a specialized feature that not many latex mattresses can boast in our experience. An entirely latex mattress also tends to last longer on average than a latex hybrid bed, per our expertise.

We also appreciate that the Saatva not only goes beyond by offering a 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty, but free white glove delivery, too. This means free shipping and in-home setup, saving you the effort of hauling the bed inside. They’ll even take away your older mattress, if you wish.

How Lying Down Feels

As people who have tried multiple mattresses over the years, we were excited to give the Saatva Zenhaven a try. We were particularly drawn to its all-latex construction and the option to flip it over for different levels of firmness.

We found the Zenhaven to be incredibly comfortable right out of the gate in our tests. When side sleeping, we appreciated the plush side of the mattress. It provided us with the support we needed while still being comfortable enough to sleep soundly. Sliding out of bed was also a breeze with the supportive sides.

Inside the Mattress

The cover of the Zenhaven mattress is made of organic cotton and is quilted with organic New Zealand wool. The wool acts as a natural flame retardant, eliminating the need for any harmful chemicals. In our experience, wool cushioning also helps a bed stay cool and resists dust mites and other allergens.

The cover is also breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking, and it kept us cool and comfortable throughout the night. Plus, we found that Saatva treats their cotton covers with non-toxic Guardin™, a botanical antimicrobial treatment that deters bacteria and mold.

The comfort layers of latex foam is aerated to create not just extra ventilation but also to create five zones of support, particularly in the back area. In our tests, we found this means that while the overall surface is buoyant, the feel of the bed will feel subtly different under parts of the body. The support core is also sturdy latex foam, establishing all-natural comfort from top to bottom.

All latex layers are certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).

The Birch Natural is a popular choice for those who prioritize eco-friendliness and natural materials in their bedding. After our tests, we particularly recommend the Birch Natural mattress for latex mattress shoppers seeking supportive back pain relief, due to its gently medium-firm feel.

The Birch Natural is made in the USA, ships free and comes with a 120-night trial period and a 25-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

In terms of comfort, the Birch Natural definitely delivers. It’s noticeably bouncier than some other mattresses we’ve tried, which made it easy to move around and adjust our position throughout the night. Plus, we appreciated that there was no sagging when we rested on the edge of the mattress.

That being said, some of our team did notice that the mattress is quite firm. While we expected this based on other reviews we read, we were a little surprised to find that we could feel the coils so clearly. It’s not quite as plush as some other mattresses we’ve tried, but we think this is a matter of personal preference. For those with back pain, a touch of softness with plenty of support may help them rest comfortably.

Inside the Mattress

The surface of the mattress is organic cotton with underlying wool for fire protection. However, unlike many latex mattresses, the Birch Natural possesses a second layer of natural wool, known as Birch wool.

In our experience, this layer increased the bed’s cushioning significantly, keeping the bed from feeling too firm. The elastic comfort of Birch wool helped the bed flex under a sleeper’s movements, we found.

The Birch Natural’s comfort layer is Talalay latex foam certified by eco-INSTITUT for its low emissions. With an even feel, the natural foam gently contours to the body for pressure point relief, as our team discovered when we tested this mattress out.

Next are individually wrapped coils to support the body. The longer sides of the mattress feature reinforced coils for edge support, making it easier to slide out of bed in the morning.

Finally, the Birch Natural is finished with a base layer made of wool. This natural layer helps to provide additional support and stability to the mattress, while also adding a second layer of flame protection to establish a mattress without fiberglass.

The Avocado Green Mattress is another eco bed with two different firmnesses: medium-firm and medium. The medium-firm mattress can transform into a medium one by adding the GREENGUARD Gold certified latex and organic wool pillow top for for a fee of $300 or higher.

The Euro pillow top is wrapped in a GOTS organic certified cotton cover. The latex and wool comfort later gives pressure relief and comfort to support the body. Reviewers mention how the mattress has helped with chronic pain around their hips, shoulders, and back, along with making it easier for them to sleep through the night.

The standard firm bed stands 11 inches high and is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, while the pillow top variation is better suited for side and combo sleepers. The supportive core layer is comprised of pocketed 5-zoned coils that offer give varying support to the hips, shoulders, and lower back.

The Avocado Green mattress is hand-tufted with wool yarn, eliminating the need for chemical adhesives and glues. The Avocado Green Mattress has a 25-year warranty, 1-year sleep trial, and comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king size options.

SEE ALSO: Avocado Green Mattress Review

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss® mattress includes four layers of GOTS-certified wool, GOTS-certified cotton, and GOLS-certified latex layers. Customers describe the bed as feeling like a “healthy sleeping experience,” improving their sleep and minimizing aches and pin in the mornings.

PlushBeds offer three other latex mattresses outside of the Botanical Bliss®: the Natural Bliss®, Eco Bliss®, and Luxury Bliss®. The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss® is similar to the Natural Bliss® as they’re both made entirely of foam, but the Natural Bliss® is vegan, meaning it doesn’t contain wool, while the Botanical Bliss® does.

The soft knit mattress cover offers unrestricted air circulation and moisture absorption while the comfort layer beneath regulates temperature thanks to its 10 pounds of New Zealand wool.

Beneath the wool, three layers of Forest Stewardship Council certified Dunlop latex is naturally antimicrobial as well as mold, mildew, and dust-mite resistant.

The Botanical Bliss Mattress® is GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Eco-INSTITUT, and Control Union certified. The mattress comes with three different profile options: 9 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The thickest choice comes with an additional 2-inch latex layer on top, hiking up the bed’s cost.

Each latex layer comes with a medium or firm feel, and the customer can adjust the firmness.

The Botanical Bliss® mattress comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split queen, and split California king sizes. Each mattress purchase comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

The Sleep EZ’s dual latex mattress, the Roma, is flippable, having a medium plush and firm side, and stands 9 inches tall. The benefit of having a dual-sided mattress is that you can turn the bed over based on how you plan on sleeping that night or, if you have guests over, they can choose which side they prefer.

Not only is the Roma Sleep EZ’s only flippable bed, but it’s also their most affordable option. While the Sleep EZ Organic mattress has layers you can manually adjust to alter the bed’s firmness, it’s more expensive than the Roma and not as simple to adjust. And Roma owners say that, for the price point, the mattress is unlike any other, both comfort and support-wise.

The first 1.5-inch foam layer is quilted into the organic cotton cover with deep channels to aid airflow and pressure relief. This layer appears on both mattress sides, making the mattress flippable.

Below, three inches of medium and firm 100% natural Dunlop latex make up the mattress’s core. These core layers are bouncy and prevent sinkage, keeping the sleeper on the bed’s surface instead of sinking into it.

Overall the Roma has little motion transfer, great edge support, and deep contouring for undisturbed and restful sleep. With the purchase of a twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, or California king-size bed, the customer also receives a 90-day sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Best Budget Mattresses

Types of Latex

Made from rubber tree sap, latex is soft, durable, breathable, and resilient. Many consumers gravitate to the material for its eco-friendly, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic properties. Others invest in the mattress for its firm support and pressure-relieving qualities.

Natural

Natural latex doesn’t include any additives, making it the healthiest and most expensive latex material. Like memory foam, there are a couple of different ways to manufacture latex: Dunlop and Talalay. While both manufacturing processes compete closely in customer satisfaction and can establish a durable mattress, each has a different feel.

Dunlop is the oldest and cheapest method of latex development. It includes stirring and baking the sap of rubber trees in a mold. Natural sediment falls to the bottom and is discarded, while the foam at the top is used to make organic latex mattresses.

The Talalay process is a newer, more consistent, and more expensive manufacturing method. The process follows the same steps as Dunlop, only the sap is vacuum frozen after being stirred. This produces consistently spread air bubbles throughout the liquid, producing a lighter material.

Blended

Blended latex is a mixture of natural and synthetic latex, which produces a firmer feel with greater motion isolation. The synthetic and natural latex mixtures vary from company to company. However, the finished product can still reduce chronic back and shoulder pain, decrease allergy symptoms, and kill bacteria.

Before buying a blended latex mattress, bear in mind that some synthetic materials used in the manufacturing process can prove harmful. Blended latex is not as eco-friendly as natural latex.

Synthetic

Synthetic latex is artificially produced to mimic latex. While the material does isolate motion, reduce chronic back pain, and have more flexibility, it does not possess the environmental benefits of natural latex.

As the least natural form of latex, it’s also the least expensive.=

Latex ILD

The ILD (impression load deflection) measures mattress firmness by gauging the pressure needed for a 25% deep indentation. The ILD number can fluctuate depending on the latex type and manufacturing process. Dunlop isn’t as elastic as Talalay and requires more pressure. Meanwhile, organic and natural latex doesn’t need as much pressure as synthetic and blended latex.

It’s difficult to get the right firmness by guessing. Knowing your preferred sleep position will reduce the chances of a misaligned spine and muscle soreness.

Back sleepers don’t need as much pressure relief as side sleepers, but they need more support. An ILD number around 28 and 35 will give enough support to maintain a flat sleeping surface.

Individuals who sleep on their stomachs run the risk of sciatica and ruptured disks. They need a very firm mattress with an ILD between 35 and 38 to keep the spine’s natural curve.

Side sleepers need a soft mattress to combat the pressure building up on their sides. An ILD between 14 and 22 will disperse the pressure and contour the materials to your body’s curves.

The Feel of Latex

Sleeping on a rubber layer may not seem appealing, but latex contours to the body, adjusting to weight without making the sleeper feel “stuck.” Latex is also very elastic, noise-resistant, and motion-isolating, rivaling memory foam beds.

Conformability

Comformabilty describes the level of contouring a mattress has while keeping the body on the surface, which improves spinal alignment and alleviates pressure points. A quality contouring mattress will regain its shape after pressure has been removed from its surface.

Most latex mattresses will have great conformability and are known for their pain-relieving qualities.

Point Elasticity and Motion Isolation

Point elasticity refers to the material’s ability to withstand compression without damage spreading to a larger area. Softer mattresses will have higher elasticity, which generally means better motion isolation.

Mattresses with high elasticity absorb impact and keep motion from spreading by absorbing motion instead of dispersing it. You can turn over or get out of bed without disturbing your sleep partner.

Noise Level

Innerspring mattresses make noise when bearing weight; latex, like memory foam, is noiseless thanks to its elasticity and motion isolation properties.

Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

Natural latex mattresses have great conformability, motion isolation, and a noiseless construction, but every mattress has its downfalls. This side by side comparison of latex’s pros and cons will help you decide if a latex mattress is for you.

Buying Considerations

Before every mattress purchase, regardless of whether you buy in-store or online mattresses, you should consider support and comfort. Support will help keep your spine in alignment. Meanwhile, comfort determines your ability to sleep well.

If you overheat or live in a hot climate, consider the comfort layer’s quality and ability to circulate air. If you’re allergic to dust and pollen, getting a mattress with hypoallergenic properties may alleviate your symptoms. The overall mattress thickness can also contribute to your comfort.

Other than comfort and support, you should consider the mattress’s warranty, sleep trial, return policy, and cost.

Support

Natural latex foam cores are very elastic and resilient. They offer pressure relief with no lasting indentations and retain a slight bounce, which aids in mobility. Compared to other mattress cores, latex bases are a durable choice. Unfortunately, beds with all-latex cores are harder to find.

Synthetic latex mattress cores are comprised of pocketed coils or poly-foam. Because these materials gather pollen, dust mites, and other allergens, a synthetic latex mattress is not considered hypoallergenic. Sleeper’s mobility also decreases due to increased pressure give.

Cooling Elements

Air bubbles and passages ventilate the latex layers and draw heat away from the sleeper. Talalay latex is more breathable than Dunlop latex due to an increased number of air bubbles and the material’s low density.

Latex beds often incorporate organic wool and cotton to improve air circulation between latex layers. Other companies infuse the latex layers with gel, pulling heat away from the sleeper and minimizing heat retention.

SEE ALSO: Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton

Comfort Layer

Talalay latex is commonly used as a comfort layer for its softness and breathability. It also has stronger durability, which is why it’s normally used in hybrid mattresses.

Off-gassing

Off-gassing is the emitting of potentially harmful chemicals due to petrochemicals used in the manufacturing process. Off-gassing will go away with time. Setting the mattress in a well-ventilated room will speed up the airing out process.

Mattresses advertised as 100% natural latex are free of potentially harmful chemicals. Blended latex may produce a slight off-gassing odor, while synthetic latex mattresses will have a much stronger odor.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Latex deters dust mites, bacteria, fungi, and other allergens due to its high density and bacteria-killing properties.

For those who wake with stuffy noses, a hypoallergenic mattress could improve your health by alleviating allergy symptoms.

As we said before, synthetic, blended, and hybrid latex mattresses are not hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers should use natural latex unless they are allergic to it; in which case, we suggest memory foam mattresses as a close alternative.

Overall Thickness

Depending on the material make-up and the manufacturing process, the best latex mattress thickness can range between six and 13 inches. An all-latex mattress can be six to 12 inches thick, while blended latex mattresses are usually 8-12 inches thick.

Choosing the correct mattress thickness will ensure sufficient support. For example, while light people will stay on the surface of a 10-inch thick bed, heavy sleepers may sink. Plus-sized individuals need more support than average and therefore require a thicker mattress to allow contouring and space to sink.

An all-latex mattress with a 12-inch thickness is best for those over 230 lbs.

Warranty and Sleep Trial

Latex mattresses can easily last a decade. A good mattress warranty will last at least that long. Some companies offer lifetime warranties, which guarantee repairs or replacements in defective material or workmanship for the life of the mattress.

20 and 25-year warranties are often divided into two parts. For example, a 20-year warranty will protect the customer against mattress defects for the first ten years; after the first ten years, the company will offer a pro-rated price on a new mattress depending on how long they have owned it.

The sleep trial can increase a customer’s confidence by allowing them to test the product without a full purchase commitment. If the customer finds the mattress unsatisfactory, they can return the product within the sleep trial window for a full refund.

Before committing to a mattress with a free trial, make sure there are no fees attached to the return policy. A trial labeled risk or hassle-free is a good indicator that the company will return the full price of the mattress. Always read the return and sleep trial policies for complete information.

Cost

Because latex comes from a natural resource, it’s harder and more expensive to procure. A queen-sized bed can cost up to $2000. Blended and synthetic mattresses won’t cost as much— usually falling within the price range of $700 to $800 for a queen.

Depending on which manufacturing process used to create the latex will also affect the bed’s cost as Dunlop is much cheaper than Talalay.

Other Mattress Types

While latex mattresses are great for people who like firm and bouncy surfaces or allergies sufferers looking for bedtime relief, there are other mattress types available for purchase.

Innerspring

The innerspring mattress is constructed with a coil base. These beds have great support and even better airflow.

Innersprings are known to sag and can transfer motion easily. They are also notorious for collecting allergens, dust mites, and bed bugs, making them inferior choices for allergy sufferers. However, innerspring mattresses can be a good choice if you’re a budget shopper.

For a more in-depth comparison, see our latex vs innerspring mattress guide.

Hybrid

Hybrid beds are made with the coil systems in their base, like innersprings. However, they have at least one layer of memory or latex foam comfort layers, giving them innerspring-like support with the contouring and pain alleviation of memory foam.

Latex hybrid mattresses, despite their latex and memory foam layers, will also harbor allergens and bed bugs. The foam layers are known to retain heat as well.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses have gained popularity due to their conforming and supportive qualities. Memory foam mattresses are made with at least one layer of memory foam, usually located at the top. They’re known for alleviating chronic pain and improving spinal alignment.

Air Bed

Air beds are now more durable. Some are even designed with firmness adjusting technology to improve your sleep quality in real-time and used all-year-round instead of for the occasional visitor.

Mattress Sizes

FAQs

Which is better: memory foam or latex?

Memory foam outperforms latex in comfort, pressure relief, and support. Meanwhile, latex doesn’t retain as much heat, due to its improved air circulation, and is far more durable.

How thick should a latex mattress be?

Depending on sleeping style and body type, the best latex mattress thickness can be between 6 and 13 inches. If you’re heavier than 150 pounds getting a mattress height greater than 10 inches is best.

Do latex mattresses sag?

All mattresses sag over time. Latex can retain its shape for up to 20 years, depending on the manufacturing process.

Can you flip or rotate a latex mattress?

There isn’t a need to rotate or flip a latex mattress. However, you should always refer to the mattress care instructions first. If the care tag states the mattress is flippable, you should flip and rotate the mattress every couple of months.

Is a latex mattress worth it?

This ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress, but latex mattresses receive rave reviews across the board, so it’s safe to assume many find the investment worth it. Latex mattresses are organic, durable, and offer a great balance of comfort and support. They’re also naturally hypoallergenic and cooling. These beds can appeal to a variety of sleepers and deliver better rest for over a decade.

Conclusion

Not all latex mattresses are created equally. The most comfortable and supportive latex bed for you will depend on your weight, sleeping position, and the type of latex in the mattress. Paying attention to the ILD can help you make the right purchase as well, especially if you’re shopping online.